Stretching 37,000 hectares from Paeroa to Rotorua, the Kaimai Mamaku Ranges are the point where the warm forests of the north converge with the cold forests of the south. Beech meets kauri in what is the largest continuous tract of forest in the upper North island.
Those over 70 will remember that this forest once rang with the sound of birdsong, however the dawn chorus has been slimmed down dramatically.
The forests’ mighty trees have been felled and the earth mined for gold, while introduced pests such as rats, possums and deer, have caused serious damage by browsing native plants and preying on birds and their nests.
Kaimai-Mamaku was once home to a large population of tomtit, robin and whitehead, and a stronghold of kokako, but the bird population is reduced to just a few more common species such as fantail, tui, silver-eye and the grey warbler.
To the casual observer the ranges appear to be in good health, but on closer inspection it is easy to see the damage that has been wrought by browsing pest animals.
The once shaded forest-floor is scorched by sunlight that breaks through the depleted upper canopy. Wind also gets in, causing further damage, and the understorey is wiped out as no new seedlings are able to grow.
Everybirdy Survey
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Fantails were the most common bird encountered on the Everybirdy Survey.
Once the protective cloak of forest is damaged, the impact of rain on the exposed soil makes it vulnerable to erosion and flooding, and reduces its value as the water catchment of nearby towns and farms.
What Forest & Bird is doing
The seven branches around this region are working to -
• restore the Kaimai Mamaku forest and hinterland to a state where biodiversity is enhanced and sustained
• ensure that vegetation is healthy and diverse
• ensure that wildlife is abundant and the dawn chorus is restored
• protect valuable water catchment areas in the ranges.
Forest & Bird also undertakes native planting events and pest control within the Kaimai Mamaku forest.
Efforts at Aongatete, the Otanewainuku Kiwi Sanctuary and Puketoki have all seen increases in native bird populations. However these efforts are limited and a co-ordinated community approach to the restoration of the forest is critical to it’s restoration.
Kaimai Catchments Project
The Department of Conservation, Environment Bay of Plenty (EBOP) and Environment Waikato have initiated the Kaimai Catchments Projects. This project aims to better integrate their work to ensure the Kaimai catchments and receiving harbour and estuaries are well protected. On top of this, the project hopes to engage iwi and local communities in this protection effort.
A State of the Environment assessment for the catchments of the Kaimai Range and Northern Mamaku Plateau is now available here. HINT: Order a copy of the CD from 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) or info@envbop.govt.nz as the download files are large.
Kate Akers from the NZ Landcare Trust is co-ordinating this project and organising workshops and meetings with iwi, district councils and community stakeholders to discuss the findings of the State of the Environment report with the intent of developing agreements on catchment work priorities.
See here for information on updates and events associated with the Kaimai Catchments Project and / or email Kate on kate.akers@landcare.org.nz if you would like to be put on the Kaimai Catchments Project email newsletter list.
Forest and Bird are working closely with the 3 agencies and Kate as we see this project as essential to the success of the Kaimai Mamaku Campaign.
Want to get involved?
Check our upcoming events.
